Faith Nyasuguta
This week, Turkey’s foreign, defense, and energy ministers visited Niger to secure access to the nation’s rich uranium deposits. The visit follows Niger’s revocation of mining rights from Canadian and French companies after a military coup in July 2023.
Led by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and accompanied by top intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, the Turkish delegation aims to leverage Nigerien uranium reserves to support Turkey’s growing nuclear power industry. This interest is closely tied to Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, the Mediterranean Akkuyu, being constructed by Russia’s state-run Rosatom, as well as two other planned facilities.
Niger is a significant player in the global uranium market, accounting for about 5% of the world’s uranium resources and ranking among the top 10 providers of the fuel, according to the World Nuclear Association. Turkey’s move to secure uranium from Niger aligns with its long-term plans for nuclear energy development.
However, Turkey currently lacks the capability to convert or enrich uranium ore into reactor-ready material and has a long-term fuel-supply agreement with Rosatom for the Akkuyu project.
The Turkish delegation’s visit coincides with Russia’s reported efforts to acquire some of Niger’s uranium assets. In June, Russia was reportedly seeking to acquire uranium assets in Niger held by a state-controlled French company. Discussions between Rosatom and Niger’s military-led authorities are ongoing regarding the acquisition of assets owned by France’s Orano SA, as reported by Bloomberg.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long sought to expand Turkey’s influence in African countries through various initiatives, including launching television channels, selling drones, and providing ship-mounted electricity plants. He also defended Niger’s decision to halt uranium exports to France, citing the European country’s historical oppression of Niger, which was a French colony until its independence in 1960.
Niger’s uranium resources have significant geopolitical importance. The country contributed about 4% of global uranium mine production in 2022, according to the World Nuclear Association. France, which relies heavily on nuclear power, has historically depended on Niger for up to 15% of its uranium requirements to fuel its reactors, which contribute to 65% of France’s electricity production, according to Orano.
The European Union utilities also relied on Niger for about a quarter of their uranium supplies in 2022, as reported by the Euratom Supply Agency.
As Turkey and Russia vie for access to Niger’s uranium, the situation highlights the strategic importance of this resource-rich nation. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the global uranium market and the future of nuclear energy development in both Turkey and Russia.
The visit by Turkish ministers underscores the increasing geopolitical maneuvering over natural resources in Africa, as nations seek to secure vital materials for their energy needs.
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